Top super welterweight contenders Erickson “Hammer” Lubin and 6’6 Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora squared off at the final press conference Thursday before they meet for the WBC interim title this Saturday live on Showtime from The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.

Erickson Lubin: “He’s a tall statue of a guy, but skills pay the bills…I’m here to make a statement and dominate.” 

Sebastian Fundora: “I’m going to do my thing on Saturday night. We’re here to win.”

ERICKSON LUBIN

“I always knew I would get back to title contention. I dared to be great early. I tried to dethrone Jermell Charlo when I had just turned 22. I always knew I would be back in this position. It’s been only five years since that fight and I just get better every time I step into that ring.

“We don’t underestimate anybody. He’s a tall statue of a guy, but skills pay the bills. We go into camp and we draw up a game plan and then we execute on fight night. He’s a good fighter who comes in shape, but my skills will be the difference.

“We came out to Las Vegas so we can be isolated and away from all distractions. I go straight from the gym to my room to watch film. My trainer Kevin Cunningham is a mastermind in this game. He’s dealt with some of the greatest fighters of our era. I plan to be no different. I’m coming here to do great things.

“We went up weight classes in sparring but only a couple weight classes. Kevin has had the plan for this fight a long time ago. We came into camp strong and now we’re ready.

“I took the Charlo fight only three years into my career. I haven’t lost since, and my experience level is just getting better. My ring IQ is getting higher and I’m just fully prepared.

“I learned not just from my own loss, but from other people’s losses as well. My focus after the Charlo fight was just about getting back to the top.

“I fought in my 15th fight someone who was a couple inches shorter than Fundora. I’ve been in the ring with all types of people. I spar guys who are near Fundora’s height, including Jamontay Clark, who came into camp with me. The height doesn’t mean much to me.

“I have dynamite in both hands. I believe that I’m capable of blasting out everyone I’m in the ring with. I’m here to win.

“Saturday night is about continuing our legacy. I’m here to make a statement and dominate.”

SEBASTIAN FUNDORA

“This is extremely important for me… Being in this position just shows that hard work pays off. We all grew up in the sport at the same time. Lubin and I both grew up in Florida and it’s nice to be recognized for our hard work.

“I’m going to do my thing on Saturday night. We’re here to win. No matter how the fight goes, that’s the goal. This is a dream come true and it’s about time I get to be in the main event on SHOWTIME.

“I trust my power. If it goes to the decision that’s great, but if the knockout presents itself, I’m going to be ready to take advantage of it.

“The past five fights I’ve had were all hard fights. I gave Sergio Garcia his first loss and I’m planning on giving Erickson Lubin his second defeat.

“I’m finally here fighting for an interim title and hopefully the next fight is for the world title. I hope all the fans who have been following my career tune in on Saturday for a great fight.

“Wherever I go in Mexico, the fans recognize me. It feels like home. My sister is going to be fighting there this month so I’m planning to be celebrating with my people then.

“We’re both human beings and there’s no need to be disrespectful outside of the ring. Once we step in there and the lights turn on, all that respect goes away.

“I can guarantee this fight is going to be an inferno. We’re number one and number two. Winner fights the champion for sure, so we’re going to give our all.”